ELECTION 2020 A voters guide to the greater Hays County elections
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Early Voting Oct. 13-30, 2020 Election Day Nov. 3, 2020
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 45
Erin Zwiener (D)
See polling locations and times on page 5
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Q: What are three issues you would bring before the Legislature in 2021? (If I really need to work this down to 150 words, I will but three issues takes words!)
What you need to vote With early voting already underway and continuing until Oct. 30, Texas Secretary of State Ruth Hughes is encouraging Texas voters to take advantage of the extended early voting period ahead of the Nov. 3 General Election. “As early voting for the 2020 general election begins, I urge Texas voters to set aside time to make all necessary preparations to successfully cast their ballot,” Hughs said. “We want to ensure that all eligible Texans are informed and ready to confidently cast their vote when they head to the polls.” Health care protocols will be observed in all voting locations, including the wearing of masks and distancing of at least 6 feet from other voters. In Hays County, voters no longer have to vote only in their precincts. As of 2019, Hays County allows voters to vote at any polling location. The change allows early voting and Election Day voting at any polling place. See a list of polling places within these pages. For voters wishing to cast a ballot by mail, the application must be received by the early voting clerk. In Hays County, the designated early voting clerk is
Elections Administrator Jennifer Anderson, 712 South Stagecoach Trail, Ste. 2021, San Marcos, TX 78666. Voters can submit their applications for ballot by mail or Federal Postcard Application via email to elections@co.hays.tx.us. When going to polls, voters can use one of seven approved forms of photo ID. These include: Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS); Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS; Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS; Texas Handgun License issued by DPS; United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph; United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph; and United States Passport (book or card). Voters who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the seven forms of approved photo ID can fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration (PDF) form, which is available at each polling location, and provide a supporting form of identification. For more rules on how to vote in Texas, visit VoteTexas.gov.
Are you registered? Many times, after moves or years of not voting, voter rolls are purged because of inactivity. So, how do you know if you are registered? Can you confirm your voter registration status? According to the Texas Secretary of State elections office, voteTexas. gov, anyone can confirm his or her registration status by going to the website “Am I Registered?” (https://teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov/ MVP/mvp.do). You can search one of three ways – 1. With your Voter Unique Identifier (VUD), which appears on your voter registration certificate; 2. With your Texas driver’s license number (if you provided it when you applied for voter registration); 3. with your first and last name.
Remember that once you are registered, you can vote and you must provide an ID (Texas driver’s license, passport, Texas election ID certificate, Texas personal ID card, Texas handgun license, U.S. citizenship certificate with photo, U.S. military ID with photo). If you do not possess any of these, you can still vote by providing other accepted forms of ID, and you must sign a Reasonable Impedimebt Declaration, noting the reason why you do not have an acceptable form of ID. If you plan to use this method, bring a copy of the voter registration certificate, copy of current utility bill, copy of current bank statement, copy of government check, copy of paycheck, copy of certified birth certificate.
A: Expanding Medicaid will ensure 1.5 million Texans get the health care coverage they need, and it will bring $6 billion a year of our federal taxes home to Texas. This will drive down health care costs for all Texans, help keep the doors open at our rural hospitals, and help our entire community be healthier. When I was a kid, the State of Texas paid 60% of my public education. In the 2018-2019 school year, it was down to 38%. The drop in funding forced local school districts to choose between cutting
services and raising property taxes. Last session, we passed a $12 billion education package that both funneled dollars into schools and provided some property tax relief. Now the state is paying 44% of the share of public education. Next session, I will prioritize defending and hopefully extending this investment. Last session, my legislation to extend sexual harassment protections to over 300,000 Texas workers at small employers narrowly missed becoming law. Next session, I’m going to get it done, so that every
Texan who experiences workplace sexual harassment has access to due process.
Carrie Isaac (R) Republican candidate for State Rep, Dist. 45, Carrie Isaac did not respond to the questionnaire.
453RD DISTRICT COURT JUDGE cases, defendants, and attorneys. The courts also increased pay guidelines for appointed attorneys. I helped write the position description for an indigent defense coordinator (Managed Assigned Counsel) to monitor the indigent defense program and help ensure compliance with the Fair Defense Act. Q: How do you view I attended the Texas the state of indigent Indigent Defense Comdefense and what steps mission’s Indigent Deyou believe would help fense Workshop to get to better ensure defen- updated information dants receive adequate on indigent defense legal representation? issues. I helped get A: Good and getting grants so that criminal better. In the 20 months defendants have access this court has been in to an immigration atoperation, criminal cas- torney who can advise es are now assigned to a nonresident defendants specific court allowing on the immigration for closer monitoring of consequences of their
pleas, if any, in compliance with United States Supreme Court rulings. I also helped create a magistrate’s office, that gives the courts/attorneys/defendants more efficient access to bond eligibility information, bond reviews, initial mental health evaluations, etc.
David Junkin (R)
Sherri Tibbe (D) Q: How do you view
the state of indigent defense and what steps you believe would help to better ensure defendants receive adequate legal representation? A: The State of indigent defense is beginning to improve in Hays County. I do believe the judiciary needs to take an active role in making sure that attorneys on that list are communicating regularly with their clients and providing updates. One issue that must be addressed is access to your client. When your client is being held in another county an hour or more away, it impairs an attorney’s ability to adequately represent their clients, so the jail overcrowding issue has to be resolved.
HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF
Gary Cutler (R) Q: What would you do to prevent continued outsourcing of county inmates? A: Based on current inmate populations we will be able to bring all Hays County inmates back to our facility upon project
completion. In addition to the opening of the jail expansion and renovation, I would enhance diversion tactics that I have already initiated such as the newly created Cite and Divert Program that was installed by myself and District Attorney Wes Mau. I would also support bolstering our Pre-Trial Services Program to help find ways to get low-level, non-violent offenders out of jail. It is critical that the county as a whole plan strategically to address our continued growth so we can plan accordingly to avoid outsourcing our inmates in the future.
Alex Villalobos (D) Q: What would you do to prevent continued outsourcing of county inmates? A: Outsourcing inmates is a systematic issue that will not be remedied at the Sher-
iff’s Office alone. It will require a symphony of initiatives to address the overcrowding of the Hays County Jail. Law enforcement partners, the District Attorneys Office, the courts, pre-trial services and magistrates will be key to ensuring that we create a criminal justice system that ensures that we efficiently using tax payer dollars. There are alternatives to incarceration for low non-violent crimes and believe we should use them, with consideration to pubic safety and accountability.
HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONER, PCT. 3 adoption. We must work with all jurisdictions to ensure that everyone receives the highest homestead exemption allowable. Hays County must implement a leaner budget to avoid increasing property taxes, and we must create stronger sustainable economic growth that pays for itself and doesn’t weigh on the shoulders of taxpayers. Q: What relief would Instead of giving away you pursue for property our future tax revenue owners who see their ap- on large corporate tax praisals rise every year? breaks, this revenue A: I support appraisshould be invested in ing ALL properties in an our public education, equitable manner and community health, and addressing the profound environmental protececonomic impacts this tions. To attract new empandemic has had on ployers and prepare for residents and businesses anticipated growth, we during our 2022 tax rate must recruit companies
Lisa Prewitt (D)
that pay sustainable living wages and contribute to our county tax base rather than contributing to wealth extraction.
the son of seniors who live on fixed incomes. That is why I was the chief architect of a senior tax freeze, which not only freezes the county tax rate but also the county tax bill for everyone who turns 65 years old. In addition, we now have the lowest property tax rate in 25 years, because we have lowered the tax rate to offset the tax impact of higher property values. We accomplished all of this while building our counQ: What relief would ty’s rainy day savings to you pursue for property more than $50 million, owners who see their ap- improving roads, and praisals rise every year? conserving threatened A: Property taxes are a open spaces. This good serious concern for me. financial stewardship Not only do I pay them has given Hays County a as a homeowner, I am AA bond rating.
Produced by Barton Publications • Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch
Lon Shell (R)
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ELECTION EDITION 2020
CONSTABLE, PCT. 3
Assessor candidates talk customer service BY ANITA MILLER
Cynthia Millonzi (D) Q: Why do you feel you are the most qualified for this job and what are your qualifications? A: I was fortunate to go to the best leadership school that our country has to offer, that of the U.S. Army. I think my experience demonstrates how dedicated I am to service and my ability to learn, grow and continue to evolve. I know how to work across the aisle with state and local law enforcement agencies. I worked emergency operations, providing support after 9/11, securing infrastructure and providing all my experience in whatever operation I am in. Not only am I a proven leader, I am highly competent in all aspects of administration from human resources to operations and logistics to procurement and budgeting. I think I bring a strong sense of leadership and commitment to my community.
William “Don” Montague (R) Q: Why do you feel you are the most qualified for this job and what are your qualifications? A: I feel during that time, experience in law enforcement, I was able to develop leadership skills from the bottom all the way to the top. Then serving as sheriff for three terms. I also hold a Master Peace Officer license with close to 8,000 hours of training. I hold a master’s degree in criminal justice from Texas State University. I feel like all of this put together does in fact qualify me to lead this office shall I be elected.
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch
“Customer care” as well as familiarity with the expected duties was stressed by both incumbent Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector Jenifer O’Kane and challenger Daphne Tenorio during the League of Women Voters webinar Sept. 24. O’Kane, a Republican who served eight years as an assistant tax assessor-collector before being appointed by county commissioners in 2017 to lead the office, characterized herself as “not a political,” but “a full-time mom of a beautiful daughter and one on the way” who is certified by the state to do this particular job … always looking for innovative ways to use our resources and to save taxpayers money. Tenorio, the Democratic challenger, resigned her seat on the Kyle City
Jenifer O’Kane, a Republican served eight years as an assistant tax assessor-collector before being appointed by county commissioners in 2017 to lead the office. Daphne Tenorio, the Democratic challenger, O’KANE TENORIO resigned her seat on the Kyle City Council in order to run, a decision she said was driven by “a passion to serve every citizen in an equitable, transparent and efficient manner.” Tenorio said she has more than 20 years in customer care experience as a self-employed accountant with a background in taxes, billing and collections. Council in order to run, a decision she said was driven by “a passion to serve every citizen in an equitable, transparent and efficient manner.” Tenorio said she has more than 20 years in customer care experience as a self-employed accountant with a background in tax-
es, billing and collections. “I look forward to serving with pride and integrity — always remembering I am here for you.” When asked how they would approach negotiating contracts, meeting deadlines and monitoring perfomance, O’Kane said she would take a fact-
based approach. “I look at the facts, listen to the people involved and make the best decision I can.” Tenorio said she would do assessments to create proposals that will be sent out and create a “fundamentally fair grading sheet in which we’ll look at every proposal equally and
make sure whoever gets it, gets it based on ability to deliver and on a taxpayer-friendly basis.” In terms of how they would better educate taxpayers, Tenorio went back to her time on the Kyle council. “As a city council member, I made sure every taxpayer in the city of Kyle knew when the budget cycles were. I educated taxpayers on how to contact the appraisal district, how to file for appeals and how to find the exemption forms for homestead, veteran, disability, whatever exemptions are available to them. That’s something I will continue to do. I believe it is the important aspect of a politician to educate the public and I will continue to do that.” O’Kane said, “The best way to do that on a daily basis is contact with taxpayers, in person and over
TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR, 6
453rd District Judge candidates sound off BY ANITA MILLER Candidates hoping to be elected judge of the 453rd District Court stressed their court experience and commitment to clearing the backlog of cases during a Hays County League of Women Voters webinar Sept. 24. The incumbent is Republican David Junkin, who was appointed judge by Governor Greg Abbott following the court’s creation by the Texas Legislature in 2019. The challenger is Democrat Sherri Tibbe, who served as Hays County District Attorney from 2007-2014. Both stressed their experience, especially in civil and family law, which constitutes the majority of Hays County court cases. “My background is almost entirely in civil and family law,” Junkin said, mentioning his time working in Houston and Austin before opening his own practice in Wimberley in 2002. However, he added, “I was blessed to be able to do an extremely wide variety of cases.” Tibbe stressed her background which included a specialty in civil forfeiture and time as a domestic violence prosecutor in Travis County. “I have practiced law for the last 20 years in Travis and Hays counties,” she said. As DA, she said she was in the courtroom every day and has argued in all the county’s district courts. Concerning plans to address backlog, Junkin said that, despite the pandemic, during his first 18 months in office (he has served 22), he was able to resolve “more than 1,500 civil
and family law cases” and also handled the 20 percent of criminal cases assigned to each of the county’s district courts. He said during the time district courts were shut down due to COVID-19, “I was the only district judge who continued to hold regular dockets using video conference technology.” Tibbe said she also participated in the court processes during the pandemic and would assign a high priority to criminal defendants incarcerated in Hays County Jail while awaiting trial. “The highest priority for me is to get those people to trial, to get them the justice they desire.” Tibbe predicted it could take “several months to a year” to work through the system and alleviate the backlog. When asked what measures they would take, if any, to assure all defendants receive adequate legal representation, Tibbe noted that judges “have to take an active role” in making sure attorneys, particularly court-appointed ones, “are consistent in making contact with their clients and advising them as the case proceeds through the system.” Too often, she said, defendants have trouble getting ahold of their court-appointed attorneys. “There are people in jail that have no idea what’s going on with their cases. District judges need to pay attention to these attorneys to make sure they are doing their jobs.” Junkin, who said he’d assisted in the development of the county’s indigent defense coordinator position, noted that
judges “can do research” and “pull up reports” that allow them “to watch over each case and see what’s happening with the assigned counsel system.” When questioned about what in their background has prepared them to handle the wide variety of cases that come before the court, Junkin again pointed to his past experience with civil and family law, which he said accounts for two-thirds of the cases that come to district court. “I think we’re doing a very good job,” he said. “We don’t ignore those civil cases, we move them along.” Likewise, Tibbe referenced her time as a
child protection service caseworker as well as her “vast experience” in criminal law, noting that the vast majority of Hays County cases that go to trial are criminal. “I know how to move cases through the system,” she said. “When I left office as DA there was no backlog of county inmates awaiting trial. I would work very hard to move cases.” Regarding how they would define other pressing issues, both candidates mentioned specialty courts and how mental health issues impact the system. “Lots of individuals in the criminal justice system have mental health issues,” Tibbe said.
Junkin noted that the county already has a drug court. “I would make use of existing courts to address those issues,” he said, assigning a high priority to both civil and criminal cases. In closing statements, Junkin said he is “uniquely qualified to help take care of the backlog of cases in Hays County.” He said it would be a denial of justice to ignore family law cases. Tibbe said, if elected, she promises “every single case will receive my full and undivided attention … I understand the urgency when you hurt or lost money, you need justice.”
VOTE
GARY CUTLER FORVOTE SHERIFF!
GARY CUTLER FOR SHERIFF!
SUCCESSFULLY MANAGED THE PUBLIC SAFETY BOND PACKAGE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY ACROSS THE SHERIFF DEPARTMENT IMPLEMENTED STANDARD SCHOOL SAFETY PROTOCAL PROGRAM Successfully Managed the public safety Bond Package Please visit www.cutler4sheriff.com Advanced the Sheriff Department for aTechnology full list ofAcross accomplishments. Implemented Standard School Safety Protocol Program Pd. Pol. Adv. Cutler for Sheriff
Please visit www.cutler4sheriff.com for a full list of accomplishments.
Pol pd ad Cutler for Sheriff
BOBBY LANE
for Buda City Council At-Large, Place 2 I’m seeking your vote in order to: Support Public Health and Safety by:
· Equipping our police force and the Buda Citizens Police Academy · Implementing new fresh water sources as soon as possible · Ensuring long term wastewater treatment capacity
Support existing and new businesses by:
· Expediting permitting processes · Coordinating services with EDC and Chamber of Commerce · Maximizing the Buda Main Street Program
Implement improvement initiatives to improve traffic flow. Implement drainage improvements and ensure Early Voting timely completion of capital improvement projects. Oct. 13-30, 2020 Maintain Buda’s small town quality of life. Election Day Pd. Pol. Adv. by Bobby Lane for Buda City Council Campaign Fund
Nov. 3, 2020
ENDORSED BY: Endorsed by: Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Texas State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Hill Country Lodge #23
Buda Police Association Roger Williams - U.S. Congressman Texas District 25
Hays County Law Enforcement Association (HCLEA) San Marcos Police Officers Assoication (SMPOA)
Donna Campbell - Texas State Senator Terry Keel - Former Travis County Sheriff & Texas State Representative
Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Texas State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Hill Country Lodge #23 Hays County Law Enforcement Association (HCLEA) San Marcos Police Officers Assoication (SMPOA) Buda Police Association Roger Williams - U.S. Congressman Texas District 25 Donna Campbell - Texas State Senator Terry Keel - Former Travis County Sheriff & Texas State Representative
ELECTION EDITION 2020
Page 3
Four Kyle mayor hopefuls look at business ideas, growth issues BY CYNDY SLOVAK-BARTON
during his past 4 1/2 years serving the city, that Kyle has worked hard to attract businesses that help the KYLE – Kyle mayoral tax base. candidates all talked Mitchell said that when about how to bring more he joined the council, the businesses – and what kind of businesses – to the city had an over reliance city during the lunchtime on single family entry-level detached homes. Those debate presented by the level of homes only proKyle Area Chamber of duce about 80¢ for ever $1 Commerce. the city spends. The four mayoral canWe had the highest tax didates, Travis Mitchell, rate in Hays County in incumbent, and those in 2016, Mitchell said. Over opposition, David Abdel, the last 4 1/2 years, we Peter Parcher and Linda have reduced that rate by Tenorio, gave opening 11.5%, and have cut the statements and then andebt in half, he pointed swered questions during the 1 1/2 hour discussion. out. He said that mixed use All candidates agreed buildings, with offices that Kyle has been workand stores on the bottom ing on its infrastructure, but the candidates voiced floor and apartments above, would be a step many opinions when it came to what kind of new that is next. Parcher said that he businesses should be sought, and how to attract wants to make sure that all of the city is prosperthose new businesses. ous and that business deAbdel said that he veloment is not targeted wants to see more ininto just one area of town. volvement by residents The candidate said that and he wants to address he wants to offer incenthe rising costs of living tives to small existing in Kyle. He said that the businesses which have businesses needed in town need to focus on the already grown in Kyle. family, that the city needs We need to address high taxes for the brick and to “shift our focus back mortar businesses already on being a small family town.” He said he believes here, Parcher said. Tenorio pointed out that small, boutique that she is a longtime “forbusinesses that focus on ever” resident of Kyle and what families want are that she was on the city important. council from 2004-07. Mitchell, current “I need to get involved mayor, pointed out that
KYLE COUNCIL, PL. 2
Yvonne Flores-Cale Q. How would you define the city’s brand, and what would you do to further that brand? A. I think Kyle is known for its “community” or “small town” feel. Although we are all aware and understand Kyle is a growing city, we also understand the City lacks basic necessities like sidewalks and streetlights. Therefore developments, such as a “domain”, seem premature. If elected I would focus on slowing down luxury developments and focus on the City’s infrastructure, to ensure our resident’s needs are being met.
further that brand? A. The Pie Capital of Texas is the City of Kyle’s brand. We not only have dessert pies, but also pizza pies, frito pies, shepherd’s pies and even pot pies, all can be found within our city. In order to further the brand we need to keep doing what we started by encouraging businesses to buy into it including asking restaurants to develop an item for their menus that is a pie of some variety so that when a visitor comes to Kyle they know they can get some kind of pie at any restaurant here in Kyle. Also we need to do everything we can to make the Pie in the Sky festival the destination festival for others around the state, including having our own balloon that we can take to other festivals.
KYLE COUNCIL, PL. 4
Ashlee Bradley
Tracy Scheel Q. How would you define the city’s brand, and what would you do to
Q. How would you define the city’s brand, and what would you do to further that brand? A. In my opinion, the city doesn’t have a brand. Because of this, it has just become known as a suburb of Austin. Whether we look back on the
MITCHELL
ABDEL
again in that capacity (referring to council work) and make a few changes,” Tenorio said. She, along with every other candidate, agreed that the downtown area needs to be cleaned up and made more appealing, “so that when businesses come here, they want to stay here,” Tenorio said. Questions regarding their individual goals for the city brought Mitchell to point out that Kyle has the lowest tax-producing downtown and “we have the lowest sales tax collection per person” in Kyle compared to other Hays County cities. He said that Kyle collects about $200 per person in sales tax revenue a year, while Buda receives about $300/person and San Marcos has about $600/person. Diversifying the tax base is important to the future of the city, Mitchell said. Instead of just approving subdivisions and businesses anywhere,
history of the city to proclaim our brand or create something new to honor, we need to collectively find a way to establish ourselves and put Kyle on the map to give it the recognition it deserves.
PARCHER
he and the council has tried to make sure that development comes along main roads that already have infrastructure capacity for commercial development. In that way, the investment that the city has already made in infrastructure pays off and the city does not have to put in more roads and pipelines. Parcher said, though, that he feels like the infrastructure has not kept up with the growth in Kyle. He also said that he thought it was import-
KYLE MAYORAL RACE, 6
Steve Avalos (R)
Michael Torres (D)
Q: Why do you feel you are the most qualified for this job and what are your qualifications? A: I have 22 years of law enforcement experience and I have a Master Peace Officer license. I have been a vested person in this community, particularly Precinct 2, and a lifelong resident. I want to be a part of the continued growth of this community and give our Precinct 2 neighbors the safety, security and constable office I think we all deserve.
Q: Why do you feel you are the most qualified for this job and what are your qualifications? A: Four years ago, I was the best-qualified candidate to run for this position. I know I still am. I have numerous training hours, Master Peace Officer license and I have held leadership roles in two departments. I want to continue to provide to the community I live in and work for.
Look for election updates at www.HaysFreePress.com or www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
FOR Y’ALL TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE HD 45: HAYS & BL ANCO
An Economy That Works For Everyone Erin will fight to end special tax breaks for big corporations, raise the minimum wage, expand job training, ensure women earn equal pay for equal work, and guarantee paid sick leave for working families.
Tim McHutchion Q. How would you define the city’s brand, and what would you do to further that brand? A. The city of Kyle’s brand, or as I call it, it’s flavor, lies in it’s small business. The diversity of our small business community is what attracts people into our city, and in some cases, causes these people to move to Kyle and decide to call it home. In order to enhance our small business community and expand upon it, is to continue to market our city to small businesses, offer incentives to them, and ensure that they are equipped with the tools necessary to succeed. One of these tools and most valuable, is our Chamber of Commerce, which always reaches out to these businesses for membership opportunities.
Access To Quality Healthcare Erin will fight to expand Medicaid, rein in healthcare costs, push to protect coverage for Texans with pre-existing conditions, and protect access to reproductive and preventative healthcare.
Conserve The Beauty Of Texas Hill Country Erin is the only conservation professional in the Texas House. As your State Representative, she stopped a bill that would have eliminated water quality protections in exchange for big developer profits. She knows we need legislation to fight climate change and protect the air we breathe and the water we drink.
EARLY VOTING OCTOBER 13 - 30 ELECTION DAY NOVEMBER 3
VOTE EARLY: OCT. 13 - OCT. 30 Pol. Adv. Paid For By Senator Judith Zaffirini
TENORIO
CONSTABLE, PCT. 2
Pol. Adv. Paid for by Erin Zwiener for Texas House.
ELECTION DAY: NOV. 3
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ELECTION EDITION 2020
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch
Wimberley ISD, Woodcreek City Council candidates mull community concerns BY MEGAN WEHRING Zoom webinars have become the new platform for candidate forums as election preparations are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The candidates for Wimberley ISD Board of Trustees are Gretchen Holtsinger and Lexi Jones. These candidates only provided their opening statements. Lexi Jones was not able to attend the webinar and the moderator read the provided statement. The candidates for Woodcreek City Council’s one-year term are Chrys Grummert and Bob Hambrick. Candidates for the two-year positions are incumbents Vicki Alvord, Nancye Britner and Aurora LeBrun; and Judy Brizendine and Jeff Rasco are also listed on the ballot. Judy Brizendine was not able to attend the webinar and the moderator read the provided opening statement. Below are statements and answers from the Leauge of Women Voters webinar.
GRETCHEN HOLTSINGER WIMBERLEY ISD, PL. 6 I am running for Wimberley ISD Board of Trustees position 6. I have been a dedicated educator and advocate for students and teachers my entire professional life. I want to continue that work by bringing the voice of an educator to our WISD’s Board of Trustees. During my 26-year career of public education, I served as a high school teacher, a coach, an instructional specialist, principal and administrator. I brought a solutions-oriented mindset and approach to meet the challenges in each of my roles and I will do the same on the Board of Trustees. As a servant leader, I will work for you to provide excellence in education, support for our teachers, stewardship for our tax dollars and an inclusive environment where all children can thrive.
LEXI JONES WIMBERLEY ISD, PL. 6 (Read by Teresa Carbajal Ravet, moderator): When my husband Mark and I were ready to leave our exemplary school in Austin 14 years ago, we explored communities all around the area. We chose Wimberley specifically for WISD and speaking with other parents, I found that we are not alone. Wimberley is a special community and one I have served since moving here including 12 years on the St. Stephen’s Santa
Program team, team mom and board member for Wimberley Youth Sports Association; and an active parent support of Wimberley FFA, WISD Athletics and Wimberley Dance Elite. Mark and I run a Wimberley business and have three wonderful children who have grown up in WISD: Alexa, Vance and Maya Rose. I know and understand this community and its family’s wealth. Professionally, my background is business. My nearly 20-year HR career has developed skills critical to serving the families of Wimberley, specifically active listening and deliberate decision making, because there are always long term implications of decisions made today. Thank you for this opportunity. I look forward to continuing to serve Wimberley and appreciate your consideration on November 3.
JUDY BRIZENDINE WOODCREEK CITY COUNCIL (Read by Teresa Carbajal Ravet, moderator): I’d like to thank the League of Women Voters for inviting the candidates for Woodcreek City Council to participate in this forum. It is with much regret that I am unable to present this evening due to medical complications. It is my desire to serve the citizens of Woodcreek and I am sorry I won’t have this opportunity to express my visions for the city.
CHRYS GRUMMERT WOODCREEK CITY COUNCIL Q: The demographics of Woodcreek are changing, apparently skewing younger every year. What are your ideas of meeting the needs of the families with children? A: We definitely have a lot more young families moving into town. I am meeting them all the time and they are really great people. I think we should be considering this demographic as part of our city as well as the future of our city. I am going to reiterate; parks are important. We have a parks board – it hasn’t met since spring. They have a recommendation for the landscape design already in place for Augusta Park, it’s all done, it just needs council’s approval. But also the parks board should reconvene, fill the empty seats that have expired and get working on the master plan that they have. Q: Do you have concerns regarding development in and
around Woodcreek? What are your recommended solutions? A: I think development should be managed. We don’t want to look as though we’re the 290 in Dripping Springs. People didn’t move here specifically to live in Dripping Springs or the I-35 corridor. Small businesses, mom and pop stores, are something that we should support and we should encourage. We should be thinking about lowering our tax rates to help the citizens because times are going to be tough for a couple of years and I think that could be a focus as well.
Q: Do you have concerns regarding development in and around Woodcreek? What are your recommended solutions? A: We need some development because we need more revenue coming into the city so that we can do some of the things that we need to do. We could have better roads. We could have safer roads, perhaps more trails or sidewalks if we had more revenue. My biggest concern about development would be that it’s not well planned
LET’S KEEP
BOB HAMBRICK WOODCREEK CITY COUNCIL Q: The demographics of Woodcreek are changing, apparently skewing younger every year. What are your ideas of meeting the needs of the families with children? A: One of the things that we are doing now is a new demographic study to find out exactly how many kids we have in the city of Woodcreek. It’s nice to have those concrete numbers, as opposed to what we have now, which is basically figuring out what we have just by what we see. We hope to be doing that in the next three to six months. Q: Do you have concerns regarding development in and around Woodcreek? What are your recommended solutions? A: We have to have some planned development that will give us some revenue so that we can do a better job on the roads that we already have. It may mean small businesses that are planned and intentional, not just something that is put together in a way that would be detrimental to the town, but rather that would be of benefit to the town.
Q: Do you have concerns regarding development in and NANCYE BRITNER WOODCREEK CITY COUNCIL around Woodcreek? What Q: The demographics of are your recommended solutions? Woodcreek are changing, A: I believe in apparently skewing commercial development younger every year. What without a doubt. I believe are your ideas of meeting that any type of growth the needs of the families a city gets, regardless with children? whether it’s Woodcreek, A: At this time, they can also use the Blue Hole trail. Wimberley or Dripping, should be managed The Baptist church has a trail. There are areas where properly. We don’t need they can take their children Walmart, we don’t need the big box stores; we just need to play for right now. COVID has kind of put a WIMBERLEY RACES, 6 hold on everything. or well thought out.
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FAIR. BALANCED. INNOVATIVE.
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VICKI ALVORD WOODCREEK CITY COUNCIL Q: The demographics of Woodcreek are changing, apparently skewing younger every year. What are your ideas of meeting the needs of the families with children? A: We are still a golf community. We have a golf course that is one of our major businesses in the community that we have to take care of as well. There are a number of parks, playgrounds in the area. Jacobs Well has a beautiful playground, so there are other places for children to be. I hope the city can do more for younger people.
Endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police Hill Country Lodge #23
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DO JUSTICE. DO JUSTICE. LOVE LOVE KINDNESS. Pol. Ad. Paid for by the David Junkin Camp WALK HUMBLY. www.KEEPJUDGEJUNKIN.com Pol. Ad. Paid by the David Junkin Campaign, Teresa Junkin, Treasurer, P.O. Box 1265, Wimberley, TX 78676
Politics are devisive but there are some things we can all agree on,
like that the core services of our local government should be professionally managed with a high level of customer service, and fair and equal treatment of all citizens.
I go to work every day with the goal of handling your hard-earned money with the utmost respect, care, and professionalism because you deserve nothing less in your tax office. Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector
Endorsed by former Tax Assessor-Collector Luanne Carraway!
Jenifer is married to Ben, a small business owner. They have a two-year-old daughter, Adalyn, and another on the way.
Jenifer O’Kane is a native Texan, graduate of Texas A&M, and a ten-year steward of public funds on behalf of Hays County. She is driven by a passion for ensuring her neighbors in Hays County receive first class customer service. In February of 2019 Jenifer was appointed Tax Assessor-Collector unanimously by both parties the Hays County Commissioners Court. Prior to the appointment she served as the Assistant Tax Assessor-Collector for 9 years.
✯ Professional County Collector certification (2014) ✯ Tax Assessor Collector’s Assoc. of Texas member
www.VoteOkane.com
PD POL ADV BY JENIFER OKANE CAMPAIGN
✯ Regional Coordinator for Tax Assessor-Collector’s ✯ Appointed by the President of TACA to chair the Comptroller Liaison Committee. in the Central Texas area
ELECTION EDITION 2020
BUDA COUNCIL, PL. 1
LaVonia HorneWilliams Q: How would you further economic development in the Buda area? A: Buda is growing fast and our population has doubled between 2010-2017. The obvious challenge for Buda is limited remaining space to build. I would look to further economic development efforts by asking the right questions, being fully informed of options and opportunities and collaborating with all stakeholders.
the coordination between city of Buda Departments, Boards, Commissions, Committees and Chamber of Commerce. I will create ad hoc committees of citizens and local stakeholders to meet the more specialized needs of our community. While currently serving as Chair of the City Park & Buda Amphitheater Committee I built a new team of folks from our Parks & Recreation and Tourism Departments to welcome and attract future productions to our new amphitheater. I will continue leading in this manner to diversify our economy, create and retain jobs, and build the local tax base to allow more citizens to live, work and play right here in Buda.
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shopping/dining is a big priority. I no longer want Buda to be a bedroom city where everyone commutes for their livelihood and weekend activities. Additionally, we need to provide further education on what exactly “economic development” really means, who is in charge of this and how does our community participate in these decisions.
Vote Center Locations for Early Voting and Election Day 2020 November General Election Early Voting: October 13th, 2020 — October 30th, 2020
Bobby Lane
Q: How would you further economic developBUDA COUNCIL, PL. 2 ment efforts in the area? A: Primarily through a cooperative working relationship with the Buda EDC. This organization is the prime conduit for bringing new business prospects and the city together to negotiate potential incentives for economic growth. b. Second, conduct a thorough review of comments from potential new businesses regarding Q: How would you fur- navigating the permitting ther economic developprocesses with the city. ment efforts for the area? Are there opportunities to A: Buda is PRIME real Q: How would you furstreamline the review and estate right now given the permitting processes to ther economic develophigh costs of living in Aus- expedite new businesses. ment efforts in the area? tin. As we gain more and A: The city of Buda has c. Third, canvas existing more residents because targeted activities and business owners/compaof our suburb appeal, I programs that seek to nies to solicit their recomwould like us to focus diversify our economy mendations to facilitate and improve the econom- on the demographic and their growth/expansion. provide more businesses ic well-being and quality d. Fourth, coordinate that provide the ability for with the Chamber of of life for citizens. Many of these activities and pro- us to live, work and play Commerce to bring open in our own backyard. A grams are siloed and opcommunications between focus on our parks, enerate independent of one the city, EDC and Cham10/8/2020 Hays-Polling-Location-Poster.png (4480×6338) another. I will improve tertainment district and ber.
Tuesday, October 13th — Friday, October 16th Saturday, October 17th Sunday, October 18th
10 AM — 7 PM 7 AM — 7 PM 1 PM — 6 PM
Monday, October 19th — Friday, October 23rd Saturday, October 24th Sunday, October 25th
10 AM — 7 PM 7 AM — 7 PM 1 PM — 6 PM
Monday, October 26th — Friday, October 30th
7 AM — 7 PM
Election Day: November 3rd, 2020
Tuesday, November 3rd
7 AM — 7 PM
Jennifer Anderson, Elections Administrator: (512) 393-7310 Early Voting
San Marcos
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Calvary Baptist Church
1906 North Interstate 35 Frontage Road
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Centro Cultural Hispano
211 Lee Street
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Dunbar Center
801 Martin Luther King Drive
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First Baptist Church San Marcos
325 West McCarty Lane
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Hays County Government Center
712 South Stagecoach Trail, Northwest Conference Rooms
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Hays County Transportation — Yarrington Building Live Oak Health Partners (formerly County Health Department)
Monica Davidson
Matt Smith
Election Day
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2171 Yarrington Road 401 Broadway Street #C
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Promiseland Church
1650 Lime Kiln Road
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San Marcos Activity Center
501 East Hopkins Street
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San Marcos Fire Station #5
100 Carlson Circle
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San Marcos Housing Authority/ CM Allen Homes
820 Sturgeon Drive, San Marcos
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Sinai Pentecostal Church
208 Laredo Street
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South Hays Fire Station #12
8301 Ranch Road 12
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Stone Brook Seniors Community
300 South Stagecoach Trail
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Texas State University Performing Arts Center
405 Moon Street Buda
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Buda City Hall
405 East Loop Street, Building 100
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Buda Elementary Upper Campus
300 San Marcos Street
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Hays Hills Baptist Church
1401 North FM 1626
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McCormick Middle School
5700 Dacy Lane
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Southern Hills Church of Christ
3740 FM 967
Kyle and Uhland ط
Chapa Middle School
3311 Dacy Lane
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HCISD Admin — Arnold Transportation Building (formerly the bus barn)
21003 Interstate 35 Frontage Road
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Hays County Precinct 2 Office
5458 FM 2770
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Kyle City Hall
100 West Center Street
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Live Oak Academy High School
4820 Jack C. Hays Trail
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Tobias Elementary School
1005 FM 150
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Uhland Elementary School
2331 High Road (Uhland)
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Wallace Middle School
1500 West Center Street
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Dripping Springs and Austin ط
Belterra Centre
151 [688] Trinity Hills Drive (Austin)
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Dripping Springs Ranch Park
1042 Event Center Drive (Dripping Springs)
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Hays County Precinct 4 Office
195 Roger Hanks Parkway (Dripping Springs)
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North Hays County Fire/Rescue Station #2 — Driftwood Battalion
15850 FM 1826 (Austin) Wimberley
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Cypress Creek Church
211 Stillwater
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Scudder Primary School
400 Green Acres Drive
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VFW Post #6441
401 Jacobs Well Road
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Wimberley Community Center
14068 Ranch Road 12
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4 4 The Court of Criminal Appeals is the highest court in Texas for criminal cases, so you need people with experience handling criminal appeals to do the job right. I have twenty-plus years experience as both a lawyer and a judge handling criminal appeals, and have served on the Court since 2015. Please, help me to serve Texas on the Court of Criminal Appeals for another term.
Experience and skill at every level of the court system Handled over 100 criminal appeals Board Certified in Criminal Law AND Criminal Appellate Law
Early Voting Oct. 13-30, 2020 Election Day Nov. 3, 2020 Pd. Pol. Adv. by Judge David Newell Campaign
www.KeepJudgeNewell.com
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ELECTION EDITION 2020
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch
Tax Assessor-Collector: Candidates talk about ‘customer care’
Kyle Mayor
Continued from pg. 2
the phone. We spend time with them and treat them as our family, our neighbors. We take time and explain in detail according to their questions.” She also said she is looking to put into a place a media compilation that is “basically a video series” and that would come at no additional cost to taxpayers and would “basically walk citizens through every phase” of the taxing process. Regarding any possible changes to tracking and auditing income and outgoing payments, O’Kane said, “I think we have an excellent system in place” for when tax statements hit the office. “We have contracts with entities that tell us when we need to pay this payment. It’s a
smooth running system and we will continue to use that.” She also said she would “go through the office with a fine-toothed comb” and look at policies and procedures often.” “Policy and procedure review is important every year, not just once,” Tenorio said. “Policies and procedures must change and be reviewed. I’m going to review every single one and talk to every employee about what works well and what doesn’t and fix things to keep the staff happy.” She said “checks and balance systems are important. We need to make sure we’re charging 10 cents and not a dollar. We need to make sure every taxpayer knows that bill is correct. Part of the education process is
reminding taxpayers they need to look at those bills and make sure they are correct.” When asked what else they would like voters to know, Tenorio said, “Ultimately the tax assessor-collector’s office is a service organization there to serve the taxpayer,” she said. She cited her years of past service and leadership in the community, her skills and “commitment to transparency and customer care that have prepared me to lead … As a leader in the community I have worked with volunteers and paid staff. My abilities include listening, educating and developing solutions to issues that arise. I am here to serve you. I always strive to improve and make
sure everyone is treated equally.” O’Kane cited her “passion for this position. I love serving my friends and neighbors and I am extremely qualified.” She cited being granted her Professional County Collector’s Liense by the state in 2014. “It’s imperative you have someone in this office that knows what they are doing.” In closing, O”Kane said, “there is a lot at stake in who runs this office. I have assessed and collected $540 million annually in property tax alone and safeguarded and transferred those correctly in a timely manner to upkeep roads, schools, fire departments and police departments in a timely manner.”
Continued from pg. 3 She also noted her “longstanding relationships” with taxing units and citizens. “I have a seasoned team that works with me. It’s imperative you keep a true steward of public funds in this office.” Tenorio countered, “As a true steward of taxpayer funds, I have worked as a true leader for the city of Kyle in assuring taxpayers. I have been known to be the voice of reason when it come to spending taxpayer money and how it should be spent. The commitment I have to this office and to my community goes back over two decades.” She said she is committed to educating taxpayers about “who their taxing entities are and how to contact them.”
Wimberley Races: A look at demographics and changes Continued from pg. 4
a little bit of help. We need to push back a little bit so that we can maintain the beauty of this area.
AURORA LEBRUN WOODCREEK CITY COUNCIL Q: The demographics of Woodcreek are changing, apparently skewing younger every year. What are your ideas of meeting the needs of the families with children? A: One of our greatest challenges is to acknowledge these changes and ensure that the city services cover the needs of these families. Parks, green spaces, safe streets and, above all, involve them in government. We need
the younger generation to join us.
development? Yes. Losing that canopy of trees? No.
Q: Do you have concerns regarding development in and around Woodcreek? What are your recommended solutions? A: My concern right now, as I drove home from Wimberley earlier today, I noticed there is a sign on 2325 on our ETJ saying for sale, commercial. This is a beautifully wooded area and I am concerned about the effect that would have on our canopy of trees and the beauty of Woodcreek. At this time, we do not have a heritage street ordinance to protect the cutting down of those oaks. Managed
JEFF RASCO WOODCREEK CITY COUNCIL Q: The demographics of Woodcreek are changing, apparently skewing younger every year. What are your ideas of meeting the needs of the families with children? A: As people move out, as older people move out, younger people are moving. All of our newest neighbors are families. They’re not retired golfers. It’s different and it’s been changing for 20 years. What we need to do, especially with the new school, is find those pedestrian ways so
people can get around. We need to really build up our parks. We have them, we’ve got approved plans in place that haven’t been funded, but are in place and ready to go. We’ve got a lot to do to bring this community together. Q: Do you have concerns regarding development in and around Woodcreek? What are your recommended solutions? A: Economic development is incredibly important. I think that in the past, we’ve sort of taken on economic development when a developer comes to us with an idea and tries to pitch it rather than us
having a plan, a long-term plan, and we go to the developer to implement what we are trying to do. We have a couple of great businesses here. The golf course is wonderful. It’s got plenty of room to grow and we can increase sales tax just from the golf course. We’ve got a liquor store. We’ve got another spot there. There are two commercial lots across Ranch Road 12 from about where the City Hall is. The election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3. Early voting will begin Tuesday, Oct. 13 and will run through Friday, Oct. 30. For more information about the upcoming candidate forums, visit the LWV virtual calendar.
ant to form a small business corridor so that those businesses network and feed off each other. Tenorio pointed out that she did not feel like a mayor can just come in and change everything right away, though. You have to take it in steps and prioritize what you want to do. “Once you do this, you will be on the right path,” she said. Abdel said his focus is still to make the city more affordable, noting that people who grew up here cannot afford to stay. He said that the growth needs to be slowed. “We need to slow residential growth ... Right now, there are plenty of homes (in Kyle),” he said. He liked a small business corridor, a place where people can go as a family ... that it should be a destination instead of families having to leave town to have something to do. Mitchell noted that in order to bring in the small businesses, you “have to make sure to be set up to receive businesses.” He noted that the city has issued more than 200 certificates of occupancy for businesses in the past 4 years. And, we have a big announcement coming within a couple of days in the area where Amazon will be, he said.